Big Ben against seeing Sanders leave to join New England.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been pushing coach Mike Tomlin to keep wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, according to NFL.com.
Sanders has signed a $2.5m offer sheet from the Patriots, and the Steelers have until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday night to match it. If they fail to do so, Sanders will join the Patriots and Pittsburgh will receive a third-round draft choice.
The Steelers are not expected to decide until Sunday, and it is believed that it isn’t a question of money. Sanders will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and instead of risking losing him for nothing Pittsburgh are contemplating parting with him now for the third-round pick.
Much was expected of the 26-year-old this season, following the departure of Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins in a five-year $60m contract.
Sanders was expected to replace him in the starting line-up, opposite Antonio Brown, but with the increasing doubts over his future in Pittsburgh Roethlisberger will be growing a little nervous over the lack of options at wide receiver.
Wallace and Sanders combined for 108 catches, 1,462 yards and nine touchdowns last season, with Sanders producing career highs in receptions and yards.
The Steelers are likely to leave it late until they make a decision, and whether or not Big Ben has an effect on the decision remains to be seen.
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